The main differences in fuel efficiency between plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and pure electric vehicles (EVs) in city driving stem from their powertrains and battery usage:
- PHEVs use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, with a larger battery than regular hybrids (about 10 to 20 times bigger) that allows for an electric-only driving range of roughly 20 to 50 miles. When driving within this electric range, PHEVs operate similarly to EVs, running solely on electric power and thus achieving high fuel efficiency and low fuel consumption. However, once the electric range is exhausted, the gasoline engine kicks in, reducing fuel efficiency compared to full EVs.
- Pure EVs rely entirely on a large battery pack (30 to over 100 kWh) to power an electric motor. They do not consume gasoline at all and thus show the highest fuel efficiency in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic provides frequent regenerative braking to recharge the battery. EVs have the lowest operating costs due to being fully electric, with energy costs projected significantly lower than gasoline vehicles and hybrids.
- In city driving, both PHEVs and EVs benefit from regenerative braking, which recovers energy during stops and deceleration. However, PHEVs have a small conventional hybrid battery that is continuously recharged by the engine during driving, while the larger PHEV battery must be plugged in for full electric range use.
- The efficiency of PHEVs in city driving heavily depends on how often the driver plugs in to recharge the battery. Drivers who frequently recharge and drive mostly within the electric range can achieve near-EV efficiency. Those who do not charge regularly or exceed the electric range rely more on gasoline and thus have lower fuel efficiency than EVs.
- EVs generally have a higher upfront purchase price than PHEVs but offer superior energy efficiency and lower fuel costs, especially for city driving. PHEVs are a more flexible option for those who need occasional longer trips without range anxiety but sacrifice some fuel efficiency when running on gasoline.
In summary:
| Feature | PHEVs in City Driving | Pure EVs in City Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Electric motor + gasoline engine | Only electric motor (large battery) |
| Electric-only range | 20-50 miles | Full range on battery (typically 100+ miles) |
| Fuel efficiency (gasoline use) | High when battery charged; drops after electric range used | Zero gasoline consumption |
| Regenerative braking | Used, but smaller battery for immediate reuse | Used extensively with large battery for storage |
| Energy cost | Lower than gasoline cars if frequently charged | Lowest operating cost due to full electric drive |
| Dependency on charging | Must plug in for max efficiency | Always needs charging, no gasoline needed |
Thus, pure EVs offer superior fuel efficiency in city driving due to their full reliance on electricity, whereas PHEVs can approach EV efficiency only when used primarily within their electric range and charged regularly.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-differences-in-fuel-efficiency-between-phevs-and-pure-evs-in-city-driving/
